Carolan:
As I mentioned, one of the benefits of eating at California Grill is the ability to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from its observation deck. Do I think the price of dinner is worth a side view of the fireworks? That depends...
If you don't have a ticket to get into the Magic Kingdom to see its fireworks, enjoying an early dinner like you're planning at 5 p.m. gives you the best of both worlds: a dinner where you can enjoy the skyline view of the property PLUS returning later in the evening when it's dark to watch the fireworks. My kids range in age from 9 to 18 and all of them list this restaurant as one of their top choices.
If you're
only eating at California Grill to see the fireworks, I have to admit it is a steep price to pay for a side view of the fireworks, which seem to be engineered to be most enjoyed with the castle in the foreground. Moreover, for those who have seen the fireworks from Seven Seas Lagoon on the Pirate & Pals cruise, you will be sorely disappointed, as you can't get a better view of the fireworks than on the water, in my opinion.
Just as a watching a play from the side of the stage with the crew is not the same as viewing that same play from a seat in the Orchestra Section, so are watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the California Grill's observation deck. The view and the angle of the fireworks is not bad, just simply unique.
Wishing y'all a magical vacation!
Whitney